Skip to main content

Stovetop Quinoa

This grain-like seed is quick to cook and has an earthy flavor that goes well in salads, soups and stews.
Bowls of cooked quinoa.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa (if not pre-rinsed, rinse well using a fine-mesh strainer)
2 cups water
¼ teaspoon salt (optional)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa and salt, if desired, and return the mixture to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover pan and simmer for 12 minutes.
  4. Turn off heat and let stand until water is absorbed and quinoa has the texture you like, about 5 to 10 minutes.
  5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • For more flavor, cook with broth or milk instead of water.
  • For a roasted flavor, toast the grains in the saucepan. Stir the grains around at medium heat for a few minutes before adding liquid.
  • Topping ideas: fresh, frozen or dried fruit; milk or yogurt; chopped nuts or seeds; cinnamon or other spices. Savory toppings include vegetables and cheese.
  • Add to soups, grain bowls or grain salads.
  • No strainer? Use a clean coffee filter.

Comments

This is a no-fail way to cook quinoa. Turning off the heat and letting it sit to soak up remaining water keeps it from being soggy and overcooked.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Fish and Spinach Bake
Fish filet on a spinach bed with a layer of tomato and green onion.

Fish and Spinach Bake

Healthy baked fish with fresh and frozen veggies and cajun spices.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 Servings
One-Pan Spaghetti
Big bowl of spaghetti topped with grated parmesan cheese.

One-Pan Spaghetti

Spaghetti ingredients simmer together in one pot for a simple and tasty meal.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
10 cups
Sunshine Roll-Ups
Platter of tortillas filled with lettuce, chicken and oranges.

Sunshine Roll-Ups

A delicious chicken salad combined with sweet oranges and wrapped inside a whole wheat tortilla with fresh greens.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
4 half roll-ups
Salmon Pasta Skillet
Bowl of pasta shells and salmon garnished with parsley.

Salmon Pasta Skillet

Whole grain pasta, canned salmon and tomatoes come together for a delicious and nutritious pasta meal.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Refried Bean Soup
Medium bowl of thick Refried Bean Soup.

Refried Bean Soup

Canned beans and tomatoes make this tasty soup so quick and easy to prepare.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
10 cups
Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash strands served with red sauce and grated parmesan cheese.

Spaghetti Squash

Learn how to bake or microwave spaghetti squash, then top with your favorite sauces or seasonings!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
4 cups